A Birmingham student who has won an Eton College scholarship is thought to be the first person of Sudanese descent to attend the famed school. Yusuif Ahmed, 16, who went to Lift Four Dwellings Secondary School in Quinton, was granted a conditional place after applying for Eton’s George Orwell Award – which offers a fully-funded place to boys who otherwise may not have been able to access it.
After achieving outstanding grades in his GCSE exams, Yusuif is set to study maths, geography, physics and economics at Eton from September.
“It’s a big honour for me, my family and my country,” he said. “I hope it shows that anything can happen and that education really can change your life.”
Eton has been contacted for comment.
Yusuif, whose father came to the UK from Sudan in 2002, decided to apply when he spotted the scholarship scheme last year, telling himself “the worst they can say is no”.
He initially believed his acceptance letter was a rejection notice, and ran into the school corridor screaming with joy upon reading the “surreal” news that his application had been successful.
The 16-year-old, who lives in Weoley Castle, had to endure a lengthy selection process, which included travelling to the campus to complete assessments in maths, English and aptitude as well as three interviews.
His place at Eton was conditional, meaning it depended on the GCSE results he received. Among the results were grade 9s in maths, biology, chemistry and physics.
Eton says the George Orwell Award, which can be given to up to 14 students per year, aims to give a “transformative educational experience” and provide a life-changing opportunity for boys studying at state schools.
When asked to provide a reference for Yusuif’s application, Claire Stoneman, principal at Lift Four Dwellings, said her “jaw dropped” after discovering it was for Eton.
“Yusuif is a remarkable young man,” Stoneman said. “He is incredibly bright and has a real thirst for knowledge, but what makes him so special is how fully he immerses himself in school life and the opportunities around him.
“He is ambitious, articulate and incredibly personable, and we are absolutely thrilled for him.”
She continued: “Yusuif has made the most of every opportunity available to him and this scholarship is a wonderful recognition of both his ability and the person he has become.”
Yusuif, who is also a corporal with the 485 Harborne and Quinton Squadron Air Cadets, was a member of Four Dwellings’ Student Council and represented the school at the national Debate Mate competition.
By BBC News
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